Fabulous Find #3 ~ Vintage Jewelry Findings

Above are some of the vintage jewelry findings I picked up while at the Hell's Kitchen Flea market several weekends ago. You can buy many items like these and all sorts of other vintage beads from this vendor right here. I am always excited to find pieces like this as I use them in my work.....

{crocheted, felted brooches with vintage embellishments}

Hurricane Katrina, viewed from above

"That dog needs pants!"

{photo via accidental mysteries}

When I saw this photo a few days ago, it reminded me of my nephew's most memorable comment when he was first introduced to my sister's sharpei dogs. My nephew Max was about 6 at the time and hadn't been around many dogs except a cairn terrier and a scottish terrier - you know, they have modesty fringe. Max took one look at Nelson - the male sharpei - and announced to all of us "That dog needs pants!"

{Nelson in a more modest pose}

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market ~ NYC

{photo via Hell's Kitchen}

Went to NYC a couple weeks ago and was lucky enough to hit the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and the Antiques Garage. While I didn't take many photos, and didn't buy too much, it was still fun to look around. I did buy some vintage jewelry findings ~ I will share a photo in a later post. Even though I expected NY prices, I still got sticker shock! Living in the midwest certainly has some advantages when it comes to a bargain!

Obsession #3 ~ Old Books

I love old books ~ all different kinds. I have been collecting them for several years and will share more of them in future posts. The one above is an early schoolbook ~ both front and back cover are beautifully designed ~ such attention to detail! The black and white illustrations are lovely as well. Even the divider pages have wonderful graphic treatments ~ always an inspiration. The carefully cut out and pasted Lion Coffee advertisement was an extra bonus!

Redneck grill

Fabulous Find #2 ~ Vintage Rubber Stamp Kit

I just cannot resist a set of rubber stamps! I bought this set last year at the AmVets Antique Show in Walnut, Iowa. I especially liked that the set came with both images and words ~ and the bonus pack of vintage crayons!

Belated Thank You Design*sponge!

{Crocheted Wool Medallion Rug}

A few weeks ago ~ before I started posting on my blog ~ Design*sponge featured my crocheted wool medallion rug on DIY Wednesday! You can read more about it here. Thank you Grace! If you are not familiar with Design*sponge, make sure to check it out!

Obsession #2 ~ Handsome Dogs

{Speck at 3 months}

What can I say? I love dogs ~ especially Scottish Terriers! I have had a Scottie in my life since I was a baby ~ they have all had their own special quirks and personalities. One of my favorite books as a child was "Angus and the Ducks" by Marjorie Flack ~ a book that captures the true curious nature of the breed. When I started making art ~ many of my earliest attempts include a Scottie. Even now, many years down the road, I still find my dogs to be great inspiration for my work.

{Felted Flower Dandy Dog Accessory}

{Speck proudly wearing his accessory}

Fabulous Find #1 ~ Vintage Stencil/Stamp Kit

{Vintage Home Decor Kit}

Found this wonderful kit at Kansas City's Antiques and Collectibles Market several months ago. As you can see it had a variety of rubber stamps ~ both flat and on rollers ~ plus some metal stencils. I wasn't able to find out much information about the set, but it looked like it was to be used to mark linens for embroidery ~ or perhaps to decorate walls. The gold colored flower shapes at the bottom of the top photo are used to embroider on top of. I had to satisfy myself with just a photo as I stuck to my budget that day!

Obsession #1 ~ Antique Shows/Flea Markets

I'm addicted to antique shows and flea markets ~ there, I've said it. There is something about the whole experience that I just can't get enough of ~ the discovery of something you've never seen before, the thrill of the hunt, the bargain, the fabulous treasure ~ even the people watching! Here are a couple of photos from last year at the AMVETS Antique Show in Walnut, Iowa ~ this show is held outdoors every year on Father's Day weekend. If you get a chance to go to the show, don't skip the fireman's pancake breakfast!

{wooden box of assorted monograms}

{candy molds + vintage picnic ware}

{beautiful wooden box + graphics}

{All kinds of mouse traps}

{great poster}

Welcome...again!

{photo via Chatham Ho Treasures}

Welcome again! As I mentioned earlier, I chose the name "Bricolage" for my blog since that word means something made or put together using whatever materials happen to be available. One thing I like about that definition is that it leaves things wide open as far as what I post about ~ I find so many things inspiring and intriguing I know I don't want to limit myself ~ also, maybe the blog will help keep me organized! I hope my blog and point of view will be as inspirational to others as my favorite blogs have been to me!

1....2....3....Go

{photo via www.kodakgirl.com}

Ok, another try at this blog thing! It has been over a year since I last posted ~ although I have been gathering inspiration and have had every intention of posting, my perfectionist nature has taken over striking me motionless. So, no time like the present to get moving!

Misplaced heels

Superman’s eye

Paying attention in class

Perspective

3-armed Chinese baby

Long tongue

Pickaxe revenge

105 lb. burger

Big punch

No excetions

Hitching a ride

Cross-species shadow

Bulldog face

Reverse Spider-Man suit